Best Grants for New Nonprofits in Michigan

The Gil and Kay Sparks Scholarship, established in 2020 by friends of the couple, honors their contributions to the Wenatchee Valley community. This scholarship supports graduating seniors from Westside High School or similar non-traditional schools in Chelan, Douglas, or Okanogan counties, aiming to aid students pursuing further education. Recipients should demonstrate resilience in overcoming life challenges, reflecting the legacy of Gil and Kay, who exemplified community building with humility.

The Gilbert Cook Memorial Scholarship, established by the Community Foundation of Abilene, honors Gilbert Cook, a devoted community leader and philanthropist. This scholarship aims to support graduating seniors from local high schools planning to attend accredited colleges or universities. Through this initiative, the foundation continues its mission of fostering educational opportunities and empowering students to achieve their dreams, thereby contributing to a thriving Abilene community.

The Beatrice Educational Foundation Scholarship supports Beatrice High School seniors with financial aid for higher education. Established in 1987, the Foundation manages a $3.8 million Endowment Fund, providing over $55,000 in scholarships annually. Scholarships are awarded based on criteria set by the donor, focusing on academic merit and need. The Foundation aims to assist deserving students in pursuing undergraduate studies, ensuring funds are available when needed.

The Wenatchee Valley Medical Group and Confluence Health Employee Scholarship supports employees and their families pursuing higher education in healthcare. Offered by the Community Foundation of North Central Washington, this scholarship is available for various educational paths, including trade schools, community colleges, and four-year universities. Preference is given to employees, their children, and first-degree relatives, emphasizing those aiming for healthcare-related training. This initiative fosters educational advancement within the community.

The Albert H. Roffers Athletic Scholarship Fund provides financial assistance to graduating senior athletes from Ashland High School. Award amounts range from $1,000 to $1,500 for one year and can be used at accredited educational institutions. This scholarship honors Albert H. Roffers, a dedicated community member who supported local sports programs. Eligible applicants must have participated in two varsity sports, maintained a GPA of 2.0 or higher, and demonstrated both character and financial need.

The Amelia and Emanuel Nessell Family Scholarship Fund supports students in financial need, prioritizing Jewish applicants. Established in 1997 in memory of Amelia and Emanuel Nessell, this scholarship reflects the family's commitment to education. Eligible candidates must be Duluth public or private school graduates with a GPA of 3.0 or higher and active in extracurriculars. Award amounts range from $1,250 to $1,500 per year, totaling $2,500 to $3,000 over two years.

The Bernard B. and Mary L. Brusin Scholarship Fund offers financial support to Jewish and Roman Catholic students from specific Duluth-area high schools. Established in 1987, this scholarship honors the Brusins' commitment to education and community service. Award amounts range from $5,000 to $10,000 annually, with a total potential of $40,000 over four years. Eligible applicants must demonstrate financial need and a dedication to community involvement.

The Catherine Aileen Smith-Jones Memorial Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of Abilene, supports graduating high school seniors who are members of Holy Family Catholic Church and plan to attend an accredited four-year college or university in the United States. This scholarship honors Cathy Smith-Jones, who valued community, resilience, and the gift of life, leaving a lasting legacy through her organ donations and commitment to helping others.

The Joann and C.W. Carpenter Endowed Scholarship, established in 2016 by C.W. Carpenter in memory of his wife JoAnn, supports high school seniors from CCISD. With awards ranging from $100 to $16,000, this scholarship aims to assist those in financial need pursuing higher education, including vocational schools. This initiative reflects the Carpenter's commitment to community service and educational support, ensuring that deserving students receive the help they need to succeed.

The Duluth Building & Construction Trades Council Scholarship Fund provides $2,500 for one year to eligible applicants. To qualify, students must have a parent or legal guardian who is a member of one of the 17 unions affiliated with the council and must be graduates of any school within the DSACF service area with a GPA of 2.75 or higher. Preference is given to those pursuing careers in healthcare, but all career paths are encouraged to apply.

The National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) is launching a funding opportunity for the ancient DNA for Modern Genomics (aDMG) program. This initiative aims to create an ethical resource of ancient human DNA to enhance understanding of modern human traits and health. By leveraging both existing and new aDNA data, the program seeks innovative collaborations that integrate ancient and contemporary genomic information. Researchers with expertise in population genomics are encouraged to apply.

The Ashley and Sarah Abel Memorial Scholarship, established by the Community Foundation of Abilene, honors two sisters who cherished their bond and creativity. Designed for graduates or undergraduates from Region 14 high schools pursuing careers in English, literature, or communications, this scholarship reflects the sisters' dedication to education and artistic expression. It aims to support students in achieving their college dreams, continuing the legacy of Ashley and Sara Abel's passion for learning and community involvement.

The Gilbert W. Mead III Memorial Scholarship, managed by the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut, supports students from Southeastern Connecticut who show talent in the Arts and have financial need. Offering an award of $500, the scholarship aims to assist these students in pursuing their educational goals. Priority is given to those with physical limitations or disabilities, reinforcing the foundation's commitment to inclusive education since 1983.

The Gunvor Lund Scholarship, established by the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut, awards between $500 and $2,000 to students from Southeastern Connecticut pursuing studies in engineering or the sciences. Since 1983, over $11.9 million has been distributed through various funds to support students in their educational journeys. Scholarship awards are paid directly to colleges by August 1, aiding students in achieving their academic and career goals.

The United Nations Association of Connecticut Scholarship, managed by the Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation, provides financial support ranging from $2,000 to $3,000 for current high school students in Connecticut. Eligible applicants must demonstrate academic excellence, engage in international issues, participate in Model UN or similar programs, and study a foreign language. This initiative aims to empower students committed to global citizenship while ensuring equitable access to educational opportunities.

U.S. Civil Society Microgrants

We seek to support projects that engage Pulitzer Center journalism to amplify the voices of affected communities, foster public debate, and drive meaningful audience engagement with our focus areas.

Audience engagement has been at the core of the Pulitzer Center’s work since its founding in 2006. In addition to grants and fellowships that facilitate breakthrough journalism, we support initiatives that connect the reporting to the audiences that need it the most. Our goal is pursuing real-world impact: engaging and mobilizing communities, increasing understanding and connection, and influencing decisions locally and globally. 

This microgrant aims to support civil society organizations and groups in the United States to utilize Pulitzer Center-supported reporting as part of projects that contribute to a more informed and empowered community.

 For this grant cycle, we are seeking grant proposals for civic engagement projects to be completed by early December 2026 that focus on one of the following issues:

• Climate and the environment, with a focus on U.S fisheries and fishing communities or climate and labor
• Information and Artificial Intelligence
• Global health, with specific focus on mental well-being or connections to the Global South

The objective is to use Pulitzer Center-supported journalism as the inspiration for the projects supported by this civil society microgrant. By leveraging this reporting, we expect to build projects that amplify the voices of affected communities, foster public debate, and drive meaningful audience engagement that will lead to impactful conversations in communities in the U.S. and beyond.

Grants range from US$2,000 to US$4,000. Project proposals can support existing activities or support the launch of new activities. 

The Ernest B. and Marie H. Graham Scholarship, offered by the San Antonio Area Foundation, supports current high school seniors pursuing studies in Mathematics or STEM fields. This renewable scholarship, available to students from select San Antonio school districts, covers tuition and fees for up to three years. Applicants must maintain a C average and enroll full-time in an accredited U.S. institution. This initiative aims to empower the next generation of innovators and leaders in STEM.

The Beyond the Cure Ambassador Scholarship Program, offered by the National Children’s Cancer Society, supports childhood cancer survivors in their pursuit of higher education. Celebrating resilience and determination, this program awards 50 scholarships annually, empowering survivors to achieve their academic and professional dreams. With over 35 years of experience, the NCCS has provided significant financial assistance to families navigating the challenges of childhood cancer, ensuring that no family faces this journey alone.

The Shari Simon Greenberg Community Scholarship, offered by the Simon Youth Foundation, supports high school seniors residing near Simon malls. This scholarship aims to help first-generation college students and those with financial need pursue higher education. With an annual funding of approximately $1 million, the foundation ensures more students have the opportunity to chase their dreams by alleviating post-secondary expenses for those determined to learn.

About The Community Foundation

The Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties is a community-based social impact investor whose mission is to engage, invest, and lead—working toward a vision of community vibrancy with opportunity for all. Our team of experienced staff and dedicated trustees is committed to boldly leading and supporting transformational community investments. We channel charitable contributions from donors through nonprofit partners that are meeting current community needs and steward community resources responsibly to ensure greater capacity for the future.

Adirondack League Club Scholarship

Established by Adirondack League Club to award scholarships to students in the Central Adirondack region of the Adirondack Park.

Candidates are identified by a committee.

About Us

Bay Area Community Foundation is a nonprofit organization created by and for the people of the Bay Area. We offer a range of flexible giving tools to help our donors make a positive impact on the community and causes that align with their interests and passions. In addition to first-rate donor service, we manage our community’s permanent endowment and award grants to address the community’s most pressing needs and promising opportunities.

Since 1982, our community has used our resources to make charitable gifts more effective. We provide maximum flexibility in establishing, managing, and distributing your gifts. Through our donors’ generosity, we can help support arts and culture, community initiatives, education and youth, environment, health and wellness, human services, and recreation in our area.

Leslie L. Squires Foundation Grant

The Leslie L. Squires Foundation was established in 1987 by Jacqueline M. Squires in memory of her late husband, Leslie L. Squires. Both Jacqueline and Leslie were supportive of many civic and charitable organizations. Both also had compassion for people who have disabilities. As a result, the Squires Foundation was established to benefit Bay County, Michigan persons who are impaired physically or mentally. The Foundation's charitable purposes seek to improve "the social condition of persons with disabilities through education, entertainment, recreation, and special training in preparation for self-support and the full development of useful, happy lives".

Bay Area Community Foundation administers the grant process for the Leslie L. Squires Foundation.

The Brinson Prize Fellowship Program, in partnership with The Brinson Foundation, offers support for early career astrophysicists and cosmologists pursuing innovative research in observational cosmology. This program emphasizes the importance of connecting science with society and provides up to three years of funding, including a stipend for independent research. Applicants must hold a PhD in relevant fields and can apply for fellowships starting in 2026, which include professional development opportunities.

The William K. Wiley Scholarship, offered by the Ashland County Community Foundation, supports high school seniors and non-traditional students from Ashland County who are pursuing degrees in History or related fields. Established in memory of William K. Wiley, this scholarship honors his contributions to the community. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.25 and complete a 20-hour internship at the Historical Society, fostering a commitment to preserving local history.

The Heart of Illinois Community Foundation Scholarships provide financial support for high school seniors in Macon, Moultrie, and Piatt County. Annually, over 70 students benefit from these awards, ranging from $500 to $10,000, to pursue higher education. Funded by generous donors, the program aims to enhance educational outcomes in the community. Eligibility includes being a graduating senior or an existing college student previously awarded a multi-year scholarship. Various criteria may apply to each scholarship.

The American Association of University Women Scholarship supports women who are resuming their education after interruptions, specifically targeting adult students aiming to complete a 4-year degree. Applications open on November 1 and close on February 1. This scholarship encourages women, particularly sophomores at Corning Community College planning to transfer to a 4-year institution, to pursue their academic goals without financial barriers, thereby enhancing educational opportunities in the community.

The Crown Point Youth Baseball Scholarship, administered by the Crown Point Community Foundation, supports graduating high school students from Crown Point who have a minimum GPA of 2.75 and have participated in Crown Point Cal Ripken Baseball for at least three years. This scholarship aims to provide financial assistance to enhance educational opportunities for local youth, fostering community engagement and growth through sports participation and academic achievement.

The William and Marlene Rose Scholarship, offered by the Ashland County Community Foundation, supports graduating seniors from Ashland County high schools who plan to major in Pre-Med or Nursing. Eligible students must have a GPA of 3.5 or higher and be accepted to an accredited four-year college or university. This scholarship aims to assist deserving students in pursuing their education in the medical field.